Third Friday in Galion event returns June 16

GALION — First up, next Friday’s weather forecast is predicting just a 20 percent chance of rain.

If that holds true, based on the success of the last month’s rain-interrupted initial Third Friday in Galion event in Historic Uptown Galion, planner Mirando Jones will be thrilled.

“Despite the rain, it was a success,” Jones, member engagement director for the Galion-Crestline Area Chamber of Commerce. “The response we got, the comments I heard, they were all very positive.”

The goal of the Third Friday in Galion effort is to get area residents to come to the uptown Galion area and see for themselves that there are things to do in this community. There are stores to visit; there are restaurants serving up excellent, well-priced meals; there are art galleries to visit; there are businesses in the uptown area that you probably have no idea where in Galion; and there are places to stop and get an adult beverage or two.

The first Third Friday in Galion event debuted to a good crowd. Action at that event centered around the gazebo at the corner of Harding Way and Market Street, where students and adult musicians from the area entertained. The event was called off early because of thunderstorms in the area, but for a couple of hours, the uptown area was bustling with students and parents and the curious.

Area vendors will again set up across the street from the gazebo and many uptown merchants are planning to stay open late next Friday to give visitors a chance to see the kinds of wares and food and services they have to offer.

“We had a very good response the first time, and even with the rain, some of the places were overrun with people,” Jones said. “Brush and Palette Art Gallery and Galion Contemporary Artspace had a lot of people and all of the restaurants in the area said they had a lot more business.”

The June 16 Third Friday in Galion event is loosely-based on safety. The Galion Safety Commission will have its regular monthly meeting near the gazebo, starting at 5 p.m. That meeting will include a demonstration on fire extinguishers. Galion business owners and employees will get credit for attending the safety commission meeting and the public is encouraged to watch the demonstration, as well.

At 6:30 p.m., Galion Fire Department personnel will demonstrate rescue techniques that involve their ladder truck. That will also be happening in the area of the square and will give residents a chance to watch some of the training efforts of Galion firefighters and EMTs.

The evening festivities will start at 4:30 with a public meet-and-greet for members of the Galion Graders baseball team, who begin play this weekend. Their home-opener starts at 7:05 p.m. Saturday at Heise Park. Residents are invited to come to the square and meet the current players and coaches.

The Galion Area Band will play at 5:30 p.m. and at 6 p.m. the award-winning performers from Eagle Dance Center will entertain.

“There are always going to be people who complain about never having anything to do in Galion,” Jones said. “We’re trying to change that. The first TFIG was a good start, and there are more people involved this week.”

You can grab a cup of coffee and pastries at Cake and Icing and the Candi Bar; you can get pizza and more at Payne’s Pizza and a meal or sandwich at Chris’ Big Plate Diner or The Whistle Stop.

For more information on TFIG, check out the group’s Facebook page, or the Galion-Crestline Chamber of Commerce website. If you want more information or are interested in becoming a sponsor or a vendor, contact Miranda Jones via email at mjones@galion-crestlinechamber.org or call the chamber office at 419-468-7737.